Christopher reveals the original ending of Inheritance vs. the published ending (details)

The Inheritance Cycle came to an end in 2011, finalizing storylines we’d adventured alongside as readers for nearly a decade. But some of the events found at the end of Inheritance weren’t always intended. Christopher recently revealed his original ending for the series, including some pretty shocking character deaths. We decided to take a side-by-side look at the original/unpublished ending vs. what was published in the final book to see how they compare!

Because of the dream Eragon had at the start of the series, Christopher had some tricky work ahead to ensure the vision came true without Arya also leaving Alagaësia:

“Originally, Eragon and Arya were going to leave together, so figuring out how to still have them on the ship, as in Eragon’s dream, took a bit of fancy footwork. It all worked out in the end, though. Literally.”

As we dive into how the ending could have played out, it’s important to note that any content in quotes is directly from Christopher! The rest is general knowledge from the books or, where marked, speculation (thoughts and opinions of the staff of Shur’tugal).

ON ERAGON AND ARYA PARTING

Unpublished ending: “Eragon and Arya were going to leave together.” Christopher’s reasoning for this change was that he felt it “would have broken Arya’s character,” ultimately deciding to separate the pair “because [he] listened to the characters”.

Official ending: It would seem that Eragon and Arya acknowledged their mutual feelings a bit too late. Although Eragon extended an invitation for Arya and Firnen to travel with them to train the new dragons and Riders, she explained that her duty to the elves would keep her behind. This is where the two parted ways.

We still saw Eragon’s dream from the start of the series realized. Arya did accompany Eragon on the boat, while Roran watched from the shore and Saphira and Firnen flew above the ship. However, before the end, Arya and Firnen flew off, finally parting ways with Eragon and Saphira.

Our thoughts and speculation: If the original ending played out, we would have seen Arya leave with Eragon to train the new Riders… but would Arya have still been a Rider herself? We know that Christopher originally considered Elva, among others, as an alternative Green Rider, so the possibility did exist.

It’s tough for us to imagine Arya choosing herself and a potential relationship with Eragon over her perceived duty to her people, especially in a time requiring strong leadership. Arya’s adult life was largely a sacrifice for the greater good of the elves (her time escorting Saphira’s egg and acting as a defacto-ambassador to the dwarves and Varden). We can’t see Arya turning her back on her people in such a way because of a crush.

Plus, if Eragon, Saphira, and the elves can travel to their new Rider training capital, is it really out of the question for Arya and Firnen to be able to fly there and visit? We don’t think so! We’re sure that we’ll be seeing more of the two of them together in Book 5.

QUEEN ISLANZADÍ’S FATE

Unpublished ending: The queen of the elves and Arya’s mother was going to survive the battle for Urû’baen and live to fight another day!

Official ending: After capturing Gil’ead, Islanzadí and her elven army joined the attack on Urû’baen, where she encountered Lord Barst, one of Galbatorix’s lieutenants imbued with the power of an Eldunarí. Though she fought valiantly, the queen was eventually overcome and killed by Barst. Shortly thereafter, the elves chose Arya, Islanzadí’s sole heir, as her successor.

Our thoughts and speculation: Sadly, Islanzadí had to die in order for Christopher’s final ending to come together (Arya becoming queen and remaining behind). Her death played an important symbolic role: a piece in the puzzle of the last generation passing the baton to its successors. The Broddring Kingdom has Nasuada, a young new ruler; the dwarves have Orik, a young new ruler; the Riders have Eragon, the first Rider in decades; Palancar Valley has Roran; and now, the elves have Arya (young in elven years).

The unpublished ending would have significantly altered Arya’s role among the elves. She wouldn’t have been forced to take over as the queen, but it may have been time for a power change regardless, given that Islanzadí had been reigning queen for a substantial amount of time. Maybe Islanzadí would have voluntarily stepped down over time?

What we can conclude is that if Islanzadí survived, Arya would have likely left with Eragon.

MURTAGH AND THORN’S FATE

Unpublished ending: “Murtagh and Thorn were going to die in the final battle.” Christopher explained that he decided against this because “[it would have] been unfair to Murtagh and Thorn.”

Official ending: After Nasuada was kidnapped by Galbatorix, Murtagh had multiple opportunities to spend time with the Varden leader, revealing a kinder side that Eragon and Nasuada thought was lost. He was unable to free Nasuada before Eragon and the Varden reached the capital, where Galbatorix forced Murtagh to fight Eragon. During the conflict, Murtagh realized that his true name had changed and as a result, was free from Galbatorix’s control. Together with Eragon, they defeated Galbatorix, both surviving along with their dragons.

After the battle, Murtagh and Thorn decided that it would be best to travel north alone to cope with what had happened to them and learn to overcome those experiences. Murtagh and Thorn were spotted near Du Weldenvarden in post-Inheritance writings released by Christopher in the book’s deluxe edition.

Our thoughts and speculation: Murtagh and Thorn already suffered enough! Sure, their actions, even when under the control and command of Galbatorix, were often questionable at best… but we think the Murtagh we saw in the first book wasn’t capable of committing the atrocities seen later in the series. It was clear that Galbatorix had a very negative affect on Murtagh’s mind during his time in captivity. Likewise, Thorn never stood a chance at a normal life, having been directly influenced and controled by Galbatorix from birth.

The fairest ending for the Rider and his dragon is to take time to repent, rediscover themselves, and recover as best they can. There’s still purpose for them in the world.

RULER OF THE BRODDRING KINGDOM (FORMERLY THE EMPIRE)

Unpublished ending: “Roran was to end up king” after Galbatorix’s fall and the reclamation of Urû’baen. Christopher believed this ending would have “made Roran terribly unhappy (all he wanted was to go home), [and would have] been incredibly unfair to Nasuada.”

Official ending: Following her rescue after the defeat of Galbatorix, Nasuada was named ruler of the Broddring Kingdom. Her just and fair leadership of the Varden throughout the war demonstrated her ability to lead, love, and respect those in her charge. As part of her first acts as ruler, she renamed Urû’baen to Ilirea, transferred several southern cities to Surda, and created a taskforce to understand and police the use of magic.

Meanwhile, Roran headed back to Carvahall in Palancar Valley — his home and all that he had known prior to the war. Eventually, Roran would help to rebuild Carvahall and becomes the Lord of Palancar Valley. (This information was provided by Christopher in an interview with Shur’tugal.)

Our thoughts and speculation: This is the only one we’re torn on. We think Nasuada is deserving, capable, and ultimately a fair ruler, but we’re still a bit hung up on her having Roran flogged and a tad bit concerned with the potential for negative results as she cracks down on magic users.

It would have been nice to see Roran as ruler, but did he earn it? Sure, he was an incredibly capable leader, strategist, and fighter with a level head and a respect for those under him… but no political experience or leadership experience over thousands of people. Plus, as Christopher said, we agree that Roran would have been miserable. Palancar Valley is where he belongs, and we’re sure that if he ever does get involved in the kingdom’s conflicts, he’ll still be quite the ally and leader at Nasuada’s side.

The information Christopher provided for this article was originally released during his recent Reddit AMA/Q&A. Both answers can be found in full in this recap article on Shur’tugal. Additionally, if you’d like to see Christopher’s full sketch (partially shown above), you can see that here!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the unpublished ending of Inheritance vs. what is now official! Which do you prefer? Are there parts of each that you’d have liked to see? Let us know in the comments!

Ethan Greger

To be fair it would have been better if he had just thought a little harder, because if he had he would have realized that it would take decades for new riders to actually be found. He also would have known that he could have used the old abandoned cities of the Dwarves, which we all know were huge and because it was inside if a MOUNTAIN it would have been warm enough for the dragon eggs, and with food, if hundreds of dragon riders could have done it before they could do it again, there are giant boars running around in the forest. Also Murtagh dieing would be way more realistic than an elf who’s been alive for more than one hundred years (Arya) to not have thought of such things.

Dawnstar Firecrest

Mangafreak – I agree, I think that he should be able to come back to Alagaësia, and not just to visit friends and family. I would think Eragon would want to see Carvahall the way it is after the villagers return to it. As well as Brom’s tomb.

Mangafreak

I think the changed endings are better. One of the few things i wanted changed is, the prophecy of Angela about Eragon, He’ll leave Algaesia, sure, but why forever, there is no legit reason for that? It specifically said he’ll never step on Algaesia again. Eragon can still come back to meet Nasauda, Roran nd Katrina, Hope, Ismira, ARYA, Orik nd Hvedra after ten to fifteen years. I don’t see any problem in that.

Iapetus

I don’t see a big problem with Angela’s prophecy: it says he will never step foot on Alagaesia, but what if the name changes? The name Alagaesia means “An Abundance of Fertile Land” (that was a paraphrase, not a direct quote from Paolini) and is only used by the Elves and Humans. The Urgals and Dwarves both have their own appellations. It is conceivable for the name of Alagaesia to change under Nasuada’s reign – or, considering Eragon’s lifespan, sometime after that. Or they could build a flying boat and all meet in the sky over Iliria, or Galbatorix’s Final Revenge could be to pull a Numenor on Vroengard and take the rest of Alagaesia down with it, causing everyone to flee to the new top-secret Riders’ Base. ^^ All I know is that CP likes to yank our chains and misdirect us with supposedly solid statements of fact. “There are no more Dragon Eggs or Dragons or Eldunari. Period. … … … ” 😉

Anna

i really like this idea. just as every other thing has a true name, i would assume the land would as well. and the prophesy probably spoke of Alagaesia as it was under Galbatorixs rule, which was a land as different from the Alagaesia under Nasuadas rule as Vroengard was different before and after the battle there. I can’t imgaine Eragon staying gone his entire life, wihch is theorhetially eternal. I can see him returning once the Alagasia changes under Nasuada enough for its true name to have changed. This would probaly be when one of the eggs hatches for the Urgals or dwarfs.

Dawnstar Firecrest

Mangafreak – I agree, I think that he should be able to come back to Alagaësia, and not just to visit friends and family. I would think Eragon would want to see Carvahall the way it is after the villagers return to it. As well as Brom’s tomb.

Michael P Bulmer

Prophecy is a funny thing though. It said he would leave and never return, but it never said that it has to be the first time he leaves. He can leave, come back, and leave again and never come back. The prophecy is still proven true.

Adam Jesionowski

I hate it whenever I hear that the reason a planned plot point, especially in the wrapping up of things, is decidedly changed because it wouldn’t seem “fair” to every sympathetic character. A good message is that, even in the end, not all things are fair, and for some people virtually nothing will be fair; and yet sometimes these people can still, in the end, make the right choice. Deaths of major characters make works of fiction more impactful and memorable.

Felix

Hey Guys! This sounds fantastic:) just finished the books a second time after so many years….And know it seems like there will be a 5th book or even more?:)

Simply amazing. has anyone of you an idea WHEN chris starts or has he even started? Cheers

Wade

When will book 5 be released?! I can’t take it anymore. Too many loose ends that need finalized for the readers to be satisfied. I have become far more emotionally attached to these books than ever expected or wanted, and I need closure.

Firedrago201

I KNOW RIGHT!!!!?????

Nickolas Oliveira

Unpublished ending would be to much better than te Oficial.
Roran King, I know I Know, what about Nasuada? It was as simple as she did about Roran/Orrin, give the Varden a pretty good place to live and put her as a Lady of “I don’t know place”.
Murthag ending was pretty good.
Arya should be with eragon!!! What’s the problem about “happily ever after” endings??? U_U

kit callister

chris says he listened to murtagh’s character and so murtagh go to live but if christ had listened to eragons character he would have realised that eragon didn’t want to be lonely with out arya and same goes with saphira, saphira wouldnt have wanted to be lonely without firnen eragon could have went in the center of boer mountains far away from the dwarves and had the elves make like a protective barrier around them like in du weldenvarden so that eragon got to chose who went went to meet them

Dawnstar Firecrest

I totally agree. Arya and Eragon should be together. Not just because they love each other, but also because Saphira and Fírnen should be together as well. I don’t like Christopher’s official ending. I think it should have ende with Eragon and Arya together somewhere in Alagaësia.
That or maybe uncurse Vroengard and start training riders their again. They could repair it and then Eragon and Arya could be together without quite leaving Alagaësia.

Tom Martini

if you do it right . i for see 5 to 6 more books out of the whole

Inheritance and much more . by the way do not do anymore so called movies at all . the first one failed and the so called remake failed ….. they did not follow the book at all ..the person who did them should be kick in the ass with a huge boot till the bleed from it and when it gets stuck from all the kicking ……………….. if you do make a movie follow the book and use the people from JR HOBBIT , LORD OF THE RING ….

Christian

I want to know more about the urgal riders, or even a kull rider. That would be amazing! imo

Neilandio

“Roran was to end up king”
I knew it!

Morgoth of Thardszvul

He was – note

Timmy

Is it bad that I mostly just skipped most of Roran’s part because I was so eager to see what was going on when they got in Galbatorixs lair? IS THERE GOING TO BE ANOTHER BOOK……sorry cap locks lol (:

Morgoth of Thardszvul

Yeah, Christopher has been telling us for a while that book 5
is coming out after the book that he is working on presently.
Morgoth son of Barzhul of Thardszvul

Morgoth of Thardszvul

Don’t skip parts because a lot of important things happen a round Roran.

Morgoth of Thardszvul

There will be another book hopefully this year but most likely next year

Timmy

Ok thanks

Timmy

But it was a little to late on the skipping lol

Morgoth of Thardszvul

You shouldn’t skip anything!

Morgoth of Thardszvul

Cant wait till book 5 comes out!

Timmy

There’s going to be a book 5?

Morgoth of Thardszvul

Yes

Gypsy Patti

please don’t wait so long to publish

Jacob Korver

I agree but I do think he will have a lot to do to keep up his high skill in writing

Froggygirl

I hope Christopher will eventually write the backstory for Angela. There’s LOTS unexplained about her in the books. And she seems to have a very interesting history.

Ebrithil

Well paolini said that the next book would tell us more about Angela

the09jackjack

The Name of Names.
Pro: They’re all powerful (kindof) and that will make any worthy adversary that much more dangerous. Imagine the next series of books where an enemy flicks aside the name of names and comes a hairs breadth away from murdering Eragon at the beginning of Book 5. That’s intense.
Con: I don’t think that they should have the name of names, not yet anyways. What (normal) magical enemy or any horde of hostiles can stand up to that? Kindof boring. He’s elevated them to the level of lesser gods and he’s only just learned that there are other realms beyond the seas and the borders of Alagaesia.

tl;dr They’re Godlike!! …but that could be boring

P.S.
1. Huge fan.
2. C.P. better hurry the hell up.
3. It better not be written for children this time or i will break the nearest possession in reach. Probably the alarm clock

Amardil Deo

I don’t think having the name of names will be a huge issue in any upcoming books. As there are other realms beyond Alagaesia, it is possible that there are other types of magic out there that aren’t linked to the ancient language, that are controlled either by another language or some other means. The name of names would have no control over such magic. Or perhaps there is a nation with tech advanced enough to combat magic users.

Cameron Scott George

What about what the Menoa tree wanted from Eragon? D:
That whole part really seems like it was meant to be something big but then got cancelled and rewritten into something else.

— A Wanderer

With that cryptic passage Christopher has laid the foundation for a whole story line. Think, ‘Child of Linea’ (aka the Menoa tree). As slow as the Menoa tree lives, she could produce a child or perhaps twin children, years later, born of Linea and by Eragon’s “seed.” Which she slyly snatched from him.
Imagine Arya’s surprise if one day the elves start to catch glimpses of mysterious little unclothed toddlers running around the Menoa tree, yet always seem to disappear among the trees roots… Finally at the next Blood Oath celebration, Linea speaks and introduces her, and Eragon’s children…
— A Wanderer Along the Spine

Manuel Valdivia

you just blew my mind

Ebrithil

Errmm… he felt pain in his lower stomach. You know that it would have been a lot more painfull if… you know.

Ebrithil

REMEMBER THIS: when Eragon met Menoa first time Menoa captured Eragon and when Menoa released him, Eragon felt pain in his lower stomach

ultrontrain

I think the original endings with Arya and Eragon together, and no Lord Barst killing the Elven Queen should’ve been kept. However, the other two were better as they were in the book.

/|/|ichael

Looks like duty > love this time around.

Morgoth of Thardszvul

As much as I wanted Eragon to marry Arya I think that he should marry the teenage girl he blessed in book3

Minhal Haider Kazmi

I want to know who the girl was too. I know she saves Roran in inheritance but who is she?

— A Wanderer

I’d wager that the girl is Eragon’s half sister. The dark-skinned woman with scars on her wrist is his Mother… the Black Hand, Brom’s lost love. Knowing that she was putting Brom in danger, and after giving up Eragon, she ‘arranged’ for her death before Brom’s return. Somehow, she ends up as a slave, perhaps to cover her tracks and to get away from Morzan. While a slave she has the girl child described in the book. Also, when she saves Roran, her mother has a young boy in tow… Eragon’s (other) half brother.

Morgoth of Thardszvul

That very well might be.

Eargon

I would rather it not plz

Timmy

Same

Timmy

I would rather not too…plz……

anna

this is a rather odd and maybe far fetched head cannon but its not like C.P gave us anything better to work with!!! this is one of the bigger unsolved mysteries from the series that i feel NEED to be resloved

Timmy

Do u mean the people that the herbalist cast there Fortune

Morgoth of Thardszvul

The herbalist casts fortunes although as someone said they don’t always come true but some do.

Neurilax

Loophole: the prediction of Eragon leaving and never returning could easily be fulfilled if Eragon left, came back a bunch of times, and ultimately died off the coast. He would eventually leave and never return. All the prediction means is that Eragon’s mortality is confirmed.

Twist

I don’t understand, if Eragon want to stay with Arya so badly, then why did not use the “name” to change Angela’s prediction?

Rwingcannon

That could destroy the universe, casting a spell so big.

Twist

I don’t think it would be bigger than the one which beat Galbatorix.

the09jackjack

The torrent of energy released was (apparently) much greater than that of Aren. He felt like a hollow vessel that could easily be split asunder, or something like that

Morgoth of Thardszvul

It would kill you before you killed the universe

Jay

The name merely alters spells structured by words of the ancient language. It is not meant to affect all magics, hence Eragon being able to cast a spell without words when needed to defeat Galbatorix. Angela merely used words to discover his fate, his fate was not devised by use of the ancient language.

Rio Griffiths

fate stuff

Morgoth of Thardszvul

What if he will come back?
Since he changed his name he might come back.

Ebrithil

He can come back. He just doesn’t think it’s the right choice.

Morgoth of Thardszvul

He might in book 5

Ebrithil

He didn’t leave becose angela said it would happen. There isn’t a single spell to make him stay. Eragon left becose he thought it would be best both him and whole alagaesia

Chelsea McKinzie

I have a question for christopher: what happened to the original Eragon? Nothing was ever mentioned about anything after they started the Riders and I’m quite interested to find out since elves don’t die unless by poison, illness, or blade.

Minhal Haider Kazmi

Even though I was the official ending saddened me greatly, I accepted it. It seemed the only sensible choice. That being said, I’d love to see Eragon return to Alagaisia in book 5 regardless of Angela’s prediction that he’d leave forever.

Tyler Wallace

Angela says ‘you will never again stand in Alagaësia’ and seeing as people can change their names through changes in themselves, might it not also be possible that the war, or some future event, will cause the land to change its name, thus no longer being ‘Alagaësia’ and allowing Eragon to return?
Here’s to hoping.

Minhal Haider Kazmi

Yeah that’s what I’ve been hoping happens in book five. Either ‘Alagaeshia’ changes or Eragon changes.

Rwingcannon

I am 100% hostile to Eragon X Arya.

Carl

Prepare yourself, because everything CP has said (plus, Angela’s vision) indicates that they will get together eventually.

Jay

Angela said he would fall for one of noble blood, not end up in a relationship with one.

bobby indahouse

im thinking if murtagh and thorn died in that war it would be more dramatic. and more realistic. you are againts THE most powerfull wizard in the history and you could survive without suffering one lost?

the idea nice and sound but reality not that sweet. i don’t care if its fair for them or not its a fucking character in a fucking novel. if he is gotta die, he is gotta die. that fuckers life is not more important than my entertainment. Christopher should learn something from George R. R. Martin

bobby indahouse

i know i sounded like an a.hole but these are my thoughts.and don’t tell me this is fantasy novel and everything is permitted.

Jay

Nothing is true, Everything is permitted. We work in the dark to serve the light. We are assassins.

Unfortunately I had to edit out your cussing or else the comment would have to go. But in the future, please refrain from cussing in the comments. Lots of young readers here, and we work hard to maintain a family-friendly environment. F-bombs definitely don’t fit in. (Anything you’d hear in a PG-13 movie should be fine.)

…

I understand that you feel that more deaths in a story, especially bloody, hard-fought wars, make it feel more realistic, or allow you to really feel that the characters in the story are at constant risk. I know a lot of people enjoy that.

I’ll even say that I like that in Game of Thrones. Haven’t read the books, but I’m an avid fan of the show and I love (and hate) that at any point in time, a character I really enjoy and connect with can be killed.

We can’t forget that there were some significant deaths in the series. Brom, Oromis, Ajihad, Hrothgar, Islanzadi all come to mind. Plus we thought Murtagh was dead for over half a book. We saw Nasuada tortured, Roran beaten, and many severely injured in battle. (Not to mention the entire foundation of the series is built on the slaughter of thousands of innocent people, many of them young and helpless.)

I don’t think Christopher ever really held back inappropriately. Sometimes killing characters for the sake of killing characters is a bit silly. I think there’s still some fascinating stories to tell about Murtagh, and don’t you think he went through enough, given his awful childhood and then all of the things he was forced to do under Galbatorix’s control? I’d much rather read about how that affected him and how he recovers in future stories than to have him thrown away at the end of the series.

Anyway, just my two cents.

bobby indahouse

fair enough. im not saying he is not killing people what so ever. i was talking about the battle with galbatorix particularly. the only wounds they had was the damage they made each other with the sword fight. he couldn’t kill them they were main characters whats why he scared the kill one of them. battle between oromis/glaedr vs Forsworn was good. they were against two and couldn’t survive unless taking some serious damage. eragon vs durza also more realistic and good.

Carl

Doesn’t matter if you don’t care. CP cares because he loves the characters. He didn’t want them to die. That’s what the artistic process of being a storyteller is all about- loving your characters.

bobby indahouse

i know it doesn’t matter. but like i said its my opinion in the matter. Fantastic genre doesn’t mean you are allowed do anything. so some reality is necessary

Byron Frank

Um excuse me but what about Boromir? I would argue he was more heroic than anyone in Eragon and definitely in ASoIaF. He was also a major character despite dying less than halfway through the series.

Rio Griffiths

he’s not really that powerful he just slaved dead dragons

Ander

You gotta remember that Galbatorix intended to keep them both alive and enslaved, so he put them against each other for his entertainment, not for death. He could of easily won the war, he was just too over-confident in his abilities.

bobby indahouse

no man. thats true he intended to keep them both alive but at the end he tried to kill eragon anyway. in that pitty fight Galb, could have kill murtagh. while he distracted by the magic he still can use some type of magic so just swinging the white sword around was not enough.

Dorothy Shea

Two thoughts: First, Eragon and Arya chose duty over desire – a logical choice, for the moment. They have time for their paths to cross again. Let them make of it what they will. Second, I felt that Murtagh and Thorn needed rehabilitation. They were both victims of Galbatorix. When they are well again, they can join the other Dragon Riders.

I’m glad he changed it, the original ending would not have felt right. Eragon is too young for Arya and needs time to grow up. Roran would not be happy as king, he probably would be a good one but not at all happy and I’m sure his marriage would not have lasted. I am happy that Murtagh and Thorn survived, I hope there are more stories about them!!

Something tells me they’ll get their happy ending in a future book (maybe Book 5?).

Maťka Repova

I fully agree. I like the official ending too and I also see possible happy ending for Murtagh and Nasuada 🙂

Rwingcannon

Eragon at age 106 marrying Arya, 200+ years old. Yeah, can totally see that happening. Nothing gross or creepy about that.

Liebet Joubert

They are immortal. I’m sure that that is hardly the largest age gap you will find with the elves.

Carl

In Tolkien’s world, Aragorn was about a thousand years younger than Arwen. They married. I guess you’re not too familiar with the fantasy genre. Romances like that happen all the time in fantasy books. You’re letting your hatred of the romance impact your objective judgment. The “epic romance” Eragon is going to have with someone of noble birth and heritage is all but confirmed to be between him and Arya.

Timmy

Wow I agree with them being together but u must really liked those romances books I am not going to even try to ask what books your even talking about…………………..

What book?

kit callister

anyways in the end of book 4 arya doesn’t look a day older so in 80yr’s or so they’ll look basically the same age

Carl

So you’re saying Tolkien’s Aragorn and Arwen, as well as his Beren and Luthien, two of the most beloved romances in the history of literature, are “gross” and “creepy?” Wow.

Rwingcannon

Arlen never had hostility towards Aragorn’s advances that Arya exhibits towards Eragon’s, so that’s not a good comparison. & on Twitter I once ask CP “Is the concept of Eragon falling permanently in love with someone other than Arya most likely out of the question?” He replied “Heh. No comment.”

Carl

I never said it was an exact copy. It’s inspired by Aragorn/Arwen, as well as Beren and Luthien. My point was the age difference in those stories was much larger, so if Eragon and Arya is creepy and gross because she’s so much older, then that same label applies to those iconic Tolkien romances. So what if he replied that? He’s already said that he planned for them to end up together. He just had to delay that outcome because he killed off Arya’s mother, making her the new queen. Nothing to suggest he changed his plan completely. The entire prophecy about who Eragon will have an epic romance with was designed to be about him and Arya. I’m indifferent about the romance, but the people who hate really pull off some mental gymnastics to explain why it won’t happen.

Rwingcannon

I know, but it’s still relevant.

Carl

Not really. Arya’s hostility towards Eragon goes away in the latter 2 books. She even chooses to share her true name with him in book 4. CP made them both shade-slayers and dragon-riders to bring them even further together. He’s confirmed the last book was supposed to end with them ending up together, thus confirming that the prophecy about an epic romance was about Eragon and Arya. CP had to delay his plans. He hasn’t changed them. It would be one hell of a deus ex machina for him to create another love interest out of the blue that perfect suits the prophecy as well as Arya did- after all, the prophecy even goes as far as saying that Eragon’s love will be of noble birth and heritage, and she will be “beautiful beyond compare.” Eragon confirms multiple times that Arya is easily the most beautiful women he’s ever seen. Perhaps CP will create another love interest, but it’ll be purely to make Arya jealous. Trust me, you can see it coming. Eragon and Arya will end up together whether we like it or not. And the age difference is irrelevant as many couples in fantasy have had larger age differences.

Shadeslayer

no there isn’t not if they are immortal
and it would be cool if they did get together
(Eragon+Arya) and (Murghtah+Nasuda)
CAN’T WAIT FOR BOOK 5!!!!

kit callister

i think that eragon and arya isn’t going to be married but i wouldn’t mind if they went out with each other

Rwingcannon

After Eragon is 106 years old? Stop dreaming.

Carl

Huh? Everything CP has said in past and recent interviews (and Angela’s prophecy) indicates Eragon and Arya will get together eventually. That’s the whole point of the “epic romance” not having happened yet.

Timmy

It also said it could be bad or good

kit callister

didnt crhis ask his staff no to say anything about the upcoming book (book 5)

Iker

The only thing I can say is this, and its the truth:
Inheritance is the best STORY EVER I really love
Inherance Cycle and can’t wait for book five…..
Thank you Christopher Paolini for this excellent work
Atra du evarínya ono varda 🙂
SHUR’TUGAL

Rio Griffiths

tots agree

Shadeslayer

Same, love it and will probably read all the books again
LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!